Parking Brake Differential Force Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing parking brake assemblies lack a differential mechanism that can be unlocked to apply brakes and locked to release brakes effectively, leading to inefficient force distribution during brake operations.
Innovation Solution
A parking brake assembly with a differential that distributes rotational force to output shafts until one experiences higher resistance, then re-distributes it to the other, and locks to equally distribute force during brake release, utilizing moveable output gears and carriers with notches, and a motor to supply unlocking and locking forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a differential mechanism is used to distribute rotational force to output shafts during brake apply, then force distribution efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The differential mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a first carrier for the first output shaft, a second carrier for the second output shaft, and a differential case housing these carriers. This segmentation allows independent control and force distribution to each output shaft while maintaining overall system integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential case acts as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the two output shafts. It receives rotational force from the motor and intelligently distributes it to the first and second output shafts based on resistance conditions, mediating the force transmission to achieve efficient brake apply.
2Reliability
If the differential locks to equally distribute force during brake release, then brake release reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The differential mechanism transitions between dynamic states: unlocked during brake apply to allow differential force distribution, and locked during brake release to ensure equal force distribution. This dynamic state change is achieved through the interaction between the carriers and the differential case, which automatically locks when both output shafts rotate in the same direction.
Solution Approach 2:
The differential mechanism is designed to automatically lock during brake release without requiring an additional actuator. When both output shafts rotate in the same direction (during release), the carriers engage with the differential case to create a locked state, making the system self-regulating.
3Adaptability or versatility
If moveable output gears are used to enable differential force distribution, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The output transmission system is segmented into moveable output gears that can independently engage and disengage from their respective carriers. This segmentation allows the gears to move axially along the output shafts, enabling the differential mechanism to adapt force distribution based on resistance conditions while maintaining precise gear-tooth engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The output gears transition between static and dynamic states, moving axially to engage or disengage from the carriers based on operating conditions. During brake apply, the gears move to enable differential engagement; during brake release, they lock into position for equal force distribution, providing adaptability while maintaining manufacturing feasibility.
Data Source
AI summary
The present teachings relate to a brake assembly, and more particularly to a differential for a brake assembly that is unlocked or open in one configuration and locked or closed in another configuration. The brake assembly comprises a differential and one or more output shafts. During rotation of at least one of the one or more output shafts a brake apply is created or released. During creation of the brake apply, the differential distributes a rotational force to each of the one or more output shafts until at least one of the one or more output shafts experiences higher resistance and then the differential re-distributes the rotational force to at least one of the one or more output shafts with lower resistance. During release of the brake apply, the differential distributes an opposing rotational force equally to each of the one or more output shafts.